DIALYZER REPROCESSING WITH RENALIN

We evaluated the dialyser reprocessing agent Renalin(R) in a 6-month prospective study of 2,759 dialyses on 59 patients. Dialysers were withdrawn after a maximum of 6 uses, and the average number of uses achieved was 4.5. Dialyser survival varied with the type of dialyser but was unaffected by the dialysate base. In vivo clearances of urea, creatinine and phosphate were not altered by reuse, but there was a small decrease in ultrafiltration characteristics of used dialysers. No clinically significant adverse event was attributed to reuse. Blood pressure was better preserved with used dialysers, and patients experienced significantly fewer intradialytic symptoms. Savings of over $A 25,000 were achieved during the study.